Windows Phone projected to nearly double in market share by 2018

According to new data from IDC, Microsoft's mobile operating system Windows Phone is projected to nearly double in market share by 2018. In fact, Windows Phone will jump from a 3.5% market share to a 6.4% market share by 2018.

"Windows Phone continues to slowly build its global footprint, and growth is expected to outpace the market throughout the forecast period. In 2014, volumes are expected to grow 29.5% over 2013, reaching 43.3 million shipments. This momentum is expected to continue into 2015, reaching 65.9 million units, continuing on to 115.3 million in 2018," IDC stated.

IDC believes that Microsoft's new OEM partners, which were revealed during Build 2014 to be Foxconn, Gionee, HTC, Huawei, JSR, Karbonn Lenovo, LG, Longcheer, Micromax, Prestigio, Samsung, ZTE, Xolo, Blu and K Touch, will all contribute to Windows Phone's success in the next few years.

"At Microsoft's Build conference this year, the company announced a number of key features that had been visibly absent from the platform in the past. If more OEMs get behind the platform, and device portfolios continue to scale the cost spectrum, Windows Phone can continue to gain momentum," IDC adds.

BlackBerry is expected to plummet further from 0.8% share to 0.3% share by 2018, while iOS and Android are expected to see a 13.7% and 77.6% share, respectively.

IDC is known for their farfetched predictions - how do you feel about this one? In your opinion, will IDC be right on the money when it comes to Windows Phone's increase in market share over the next four years?